MS HB37

Allows physical therapists with a doctorate degree in physical therapy or five (5) years of licensed clinical practice experience to implement treatment without a referral from a physician, dentist, osteopath, podiatrist, chiropractor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner.

Permits any licensed physical therapist to perform initial evaluations or consultations without a referral to determine the need for physical therapy.

Requires physical therapists treating without a referral to refer patients to an appropriate health care provider if no measurable or functional improvement occurs within thirty (30) calendar days, with board discipline for failure to refer.

Updates the State Board of Physical Therapy appointment process to reference the "American Physical Therapy Association - Mississippi" instead of the previous name for nominating board members.

Prohibits physical therapists from rendering medical diagnoses and does not mandate insurance coverage for unreferred physical therapy services.